CALGARY — Several downtown roads have been closed to vehicle and pedestrian traffic as the fire department investigates debris material from a highrise building due to high winds.

Around 2 p.m. crews responded to a 40-storey structure in the 700 block of 7th Avenue S.W.

The fire department’s high angle team is at the scene dealing with material that apparently fell from the roof of Western Canadian Place, which contains the offices of Husky Energy.

Pieces of metal that dislodged from a sign fell several stories, smashing the windshield of a vehicle below.

There were no reported injuries to people, but officials are warning that roads have been closed for public safety.

Crews have closed 8th Avenue between 6th and 7th Streets S.W., and 6th Street between 9th and 7th Avenues S.W.

The roads could remain closed until after the morning commute on Wednesday, if high winds continue to prevent the fire department’s high angle team from securing any loosened metal.

“The higher you go up, the higher the wind velocity is and for our crews to go up the side of the building, working off ropes, is very dangerous. It would blow them around like puppets on a string,” said battalion chief Ernie Molineaux. “Until the conditions settle down so that our crews can operate safely on ropes, we’re just going to keep the area secured.”

mpotkins@calgaryherald.com

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